The Helpful Folks

Our mission is to be the helpful place providing quality products at fair prices to our neighbors in Northern Lancaster County.

Our History

Since its inception in 1965 as an animal health retailer, Key-Aid Inc. has based its foundation on offering quality products backed by superior customer service. Even in the early days of operating out of a chicken house on a Mennonite farm, Key-Aid, or “Cow Aid” in PA Dutch, placed a strong emphasis on serving the members of the community. As the business grew this emphasis remained, ultimately leading Key-Aid to join the Ace Hardware family and the opening of the current business location along West Main Street in Ephrata in 1991. This partnership and location allowed Key-Aid to better serve its customers with over 10,000 square feet of retail space and expanded offerings in hardware, lawn and garden, and paint. Today, Key-Aid Ace Hardware has become a fixture in the local community with a large and diverse products offering and helpful associates who invite you to visit us between 8am and 8pm Monday through Friday and between 8am and 5pm on Saturday.

Our Team

Galen | Owner

Galen purchased Key-Aid around 1980 and has guided the company through the many changes over the years. Still actively involved, he does the Animal Health and Pet Department purchasing and loves to help on the sales floor.

Mike | Store Manager

Mike has been with Key-Aid since 1984 when he was hired as the 3rd employee of the Key-Aid Farm Supplies Store. He became Store Manager in 1991 when the company moved to it's current location along West Main Street in Ephrata.

Jeff | Sales Associate

Jeff has been the Paint Department manager since 2007. He can color match just about anything, and knows which products are best suited for any particular application. With his well rounded background Jeff has the experience to be helpful in all areas of the store.

Elliott | Sales Associate

Elliott started part-time at Ace while in High School. After college he came back to join his dad and is anxious to provide leadership for the next generation of Ace shoppers. Elliott especially enjoys helping folks with Weber grills and Craftsman tools.

Norman | Mr. Fix-it

Norman has the nickname of Mr. Fix It since he now works part-time in the back room doing many services. He is kept especially busy in the spring and fall with Window Screen Repairs. Prior to 1998 when Norman started at Ace, he worked part-time for Sprechers Hardware.